Bug Bites in a Line: How to Identify and Treat
Different types of insects may leave bite marks that appear to follow a line. This can include fleas, bedbugs, and mites, among others. Treatment typically involves over-the-counter remedies.
Bug bites can be an itchy nuisance, especially when you're bitten multiple times in a row by the same type of bug.
Some insects, like flying insects, might bite one time and then move to their next victim.
Other insects, though, may unleash several bites at once. And if you're on the other end of this attack, you might have a cluster of bites appearing in a line.
What types of bugs cause these types of bites, though?
Here's a look at different bugs that leave multiple bites in a row and how to treat them.
Bug bites that appear in a line
Different insects can leave different types of bite marks, including those appearing in a line.
If you notice multiple bites in a row, there are a few possible culprits:
Bug Bite description Symptoms
Fleas Fleas can bite multiple times, leaving clusters of tiny red bumps in a row. Flea bites are often on the lower part of the body, such as on the legs, ankles, and feet. Symptoms include tiny red bumps or welts and extreme itching.
Bedbugs Bedbug bites are red, appearing as a line of flat or raised bumps. Symptoms include itching, redness or other color changes, and swelling.
Lice Head lice can cause a row of tiny red bumps around the head or neck. Lice can also leave a line of bumps near pubic hair, the hair around the armpits, or the eyebrows. Symptoms include intense itching that worsens at night and the appearance of tiny white eggs in the hair. Symptoms can appear up to 2 to 4 weeks after contact.
Fire ants A single fire ant can bite multiple times, causing red bumps or lumps that appear in a line or in clusters. Symptoms include a burning, stinging sensation, itchiness, and swelling.
Mites (scabies, chiggers, bird mites) Mites are insect-like organisms that can bite and cause skin irritation in humans. The bites are pimple-like rashes appearing in clusters or as raised lines on the skin. Symptoms include intense itching that worsens at night, redness or other color changes, and tingling and swelling around the bite site.
Treating bug bites that appear in a line
Bug bites can cause pain, redness, other color changes, and intense itching, so you'll want to take immediate action to relieve discomfort and prevent future bites.
Identify and remove the culprit
The first step in treating a bug bite is to identify the culprit.
If you suspect a bedbug or flea infestation in your home, call a pest control company to find and remove the bugs. You can also prevent an infestation by treating fleas on your pets.
Although irritating, most bug bites are minor and treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Prevent swelling and infection
For mild bites, wash the area with soap and water to prevent an infection.
Apply a cool compress over the bite to reduce pain and swelling.
If you have bites on your arms or legs, keeping this part of your body elevated can also reduce swelling.
Soothe pain and itching
Next, apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion over the bite to calm itching, or take an OTC oral antihistamine.
If you have pain, take an OTC pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Continue this treatment until symptoms go away.
Treat lice and scabies with prescription topicals
For lice
If you have lice, you'll need an OTC medicated shampoo to kill the lice and their eggs. If these treatments don't work, ask your doctor for a prescription lice treatment.
It's important to note that itching from lice doesn't go away immediately after treatment. Also, the initial treatment may not kill lice eggs. You may need to re-treat the area in a week, when the eggs have hatched.
For scabies
Treatment for scabies is a prescription antiparasitic topical cream. It will kill the mites and their eggs. Even after medication kills the mites, itching may last for a couple of weeks.
To prevent reinfection, wash all your clothes, towels, and linen in hot water to kill the mites.
About scabies bites
The bite from a scabies mite isn't what itches. These pests burrow beneath the skin and leave their poop behind. The poop triggers an allergic reaction, which causes the itching and irritation.
Should I see a doctor?
A severe allergic reaction to a bug bite is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical treatment if you develop any of the following symptoms:
trouble breathing
swollen lips or tongue
rapid heartbeat
chest pain
headache
vomiting
dizziness
Also, see a doctor if you're unable to identify a bug bite or if a bug bite doesn't heal or worsens in appearance.
If your bite itches, keep in mind that scratching can break your skin and cause bacteria to penetrate the deeper level of your skin. This can lead to a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis.
Signs of infection include:
increased redness or other color changes
pain
blistering
fever
Don't wait for a fever!
If you suspect you may have a bacterial skin infection, see a doctor right away.
They can diagnose cellulitis early by looking for red streaks that extend away from the irritated area toward the heart. A thickening of the skin around the bite or wound is another indication of infection.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
13 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Novo Nordisk advances early-stage obesity medication, amycretin, to phase 3 clinical development based on early-phase clinical trial results in people with obesity or excess weight, published in The Lancet
PLAINSBORO, N.J., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, results from two early-phase clinical trials evaluating Novo Nordisk's amycretin, an innovative investigational obesity treatment designed to target appetite regulation, were published in The Lancet.1 In a phase 1b/2a clinical trial of 125 adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin appeared to be safe and tolerable in trial participants, who also achieved significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus placebo.1 A related phase 1 trial of once-daily oral amycretin in adults with obesity or overweight also showed that treatment was safe and tolerable with an observed reduction in body weight compared to placebo.2 No weight loss plateau was observed in either trial at the end of the respective treatment durations.1,2 Data on subcutaneous amycretin is scheduled to be presented on Sunday, June 22nd, during a late-breaking poster session at the American Diabetes Association's® (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions.1 'We are pleased with the promising results of amycretin and the feedback from regulatory authorities and are excited to advance both subcutaneous and oral versions of this molecule into phase 3 development for weight management. At Novo Nordisk, we understand that addressing obesity is a complex challenge that many patients face. These results reflect our robust pipeline in obesity, our focus on progressing scientific innovation and expanding the range of options available to patients and healthcare professionals,' said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. 'We remain steadfast in our mission to discover and develop therapies that can have a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by obesity.' Results from the phase 1b/2a trial of subcutaneous amycretin showed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild or moderate in severity and increased in frequency in a dose-dependent manner. The most frequent reported TEAEs were gastrointestinal in nature. Compared to placebo, participants receiving amycretin observed greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated.1 Subcutaneous amycretin at multiple doses demonstrated greater weight reduction than placebo at the end of the trial. Participants who received the highest doses (up to 60 mg) reported body weight reductions of up to 24.3% versus 1.1% with placebo after 36 weeks of treatment. Results from this first-in-human phase 1b/2a study support further investigation of potential weight-loss efficacy of amycretin. Results from the published phase 1 trial of oral amycretin showed that the most common TEAEs were related to gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly nausea and vomiting) and decreased appetite; these were most frequent for the higher doses. Trial participants receiving the study treatment demonstrated significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus the placebo group.2 Exploratory results showed participants taking 100 mg per day of oral amycretin achieved a mean weight loss of 13.1% versus 1.2% with placebo after 12 weeks.2 Based on these phase 1 results, longer evaluation with more participants is warranted to substantiate the full efficacy findings of oral amycretin on body weight reductions and changes in metabolic parameters. Novo Nordisk will advance both subcutaneous and oral amycretin formulations straight to phase 3 development for weight management based on these and other completed clinical studies, as well as feedback received from regulatory authorities. About amycretin Amycretin is a unimolecular long-acting GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist under development by Novo Nordisk, to provide a treatment for adults with overweight or obesity and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. Amycretin is under investigation for oral and subcutaneous administration, and is not approved in the US for weight loss. About the phase 1b/2a subcutaneous amycretin trial The phase 1b/2a trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center, double-blinded study of 125 participants assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on body weight after subcutaneous administration of amycretin in people with overweight or obesity.1 Adults with a body mass index of 27-39.9kg/m2 and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5% were eligible for the trial.1 The trial was conducted in 5 parts: a single ascending dose (Part A) for determination of pharmacokinetics and starting dose for the first multiple dose cohort in which the safety and tolerability were explored using dose escalation until 36 weeks of total treatment duration (Part B).1 Lastly, in the multiple ascending dose – dose response parts, body weight loss was explored for up to 36 weeks of dosing by escalating to dose levels of 1.25 mg, 5 mg, and 20 mg, respectively, dosed for 12 weeks (Part E, D and C).1 About the phase 1 oral amycretin trial The phase 1 single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses (Part A) and multiple ascending doses (Part B, 10 days of treatment; Part C/D, 12 weeks of treatment) of 144 adult participants with overweight or obesity.2 The primary endpoint was the number of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) observed in the trial. The trial evaluated the single-ascending dose and multiple ascending doses for oral amycretin, up to 2 times 50 mg, in people with overweight or obesity, with a total treatment duration of up to 12 weeks.2 About obesity Obesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.3-5 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.3,5 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.6,7 The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a public health issue that has severe cost implications to healthcare systems.8,9 In the US, about 40% of adults live with obesity.10 About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our semaglutide-containing medicines which represent distinct products with different indications, dosages, prescribing information, titration schedules, and delivery forms. These products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications. Learn more at Contacts for further information References © 2025 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US25SEMO01477 June 2025 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NOVO NORDISK INC.
Associated Press
13 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Banyan & Bamboo Launches AI-Powered '365 Beauty Blueprint' for Personalized Aesthetic Wellness in Austin
Austin's most soulful med spa is now one of its smartest. Banyan & Bamboo Day Spa + Med Spa unveils the '365 Beauty Blueprint' - a regenerative aesthetic protocol blending advanced facial mapping with deeply personalized, year-round wellness planning. Austin, TX, Texas, United States, June 21, 2025 -- Women-Led Spa Debuts Year-Round Aesthetic Strategy Backed by AI Banyan & Bamboo Day Spa + Med Spa, a boutique, women-led studio in the heart of Austin, today announces the launch of its signature 365 Beauty Blueprint, a highly personalized treatment plan guided by advanced AI skin mapping. This milestone reflects the spa's commitment to natural, data-backed results in regenerative aesthetics, setting a new standard for long-term self-care. In a field often driven by fleeting trends and one-size-fits-all treatments, Banyan & Bamboo introduces a new kind of beauty planning - one rooted in personalization, cellular science, and soulful care. Banyan & Bamboo's AI skin analysis and 365-day treatment plan is one of the most personalized options for injectables and facial care in Austin. 'We don't believe in one-size-fits-all beauty,' says Jennifer Rushing, Owner and Founder. 'We co-create yearlong blueprints that support skin, confidence, and health from the inside out.' Precision Meets Personalization: The 365 Beauty Blueprint At the heart of the new offering is AI-powered skin analysis - a diagnostic tool that maps hydration, pigmentation, texture, sun damage and aging markers. These insights allow the team to design evolving treatment plans that respond to each client's changing skin needs. The 365 Beauty Blueprint integrates: Every service within the protocol is selected to support internal wellness and natural-looking refinement. Regenerative Aesthetics in a Spa-Like Setting Blending clinical innovation with spa-caliber care, Banyan & Bamboo offers a slower, deeper, and more restorative alternative to volume-focused chains. Each visit includes in-depth consultation, customized protocols, and education - empowering clients to feel confident, cared for, and in control of their treatment journey. 'Our clients aren't here for a quick fix,' says Lindsey R., Spa Manager and Guest Experience Coordinator. 'They come to us because we spend time, educate them, and offer treatments that support long-term beauty and wellness.' Shifting the Industry Toward Longevity and Intention Since opening its doors, Banyan & Bamboo has cultivated one of the most loyal client communities in Central Texas. With the 365 Beauty Blueprint, the studio deepens its philosophy: beauty is not a single service, it's a long-term relationship. From hormone-safe skincare to regenerative injectables, each blueprint is crafted with intention and backed by science. The result is an customized aesthetic plan that's as restorative as it is effective - one that meets modern clients where they are and grows with them. 'Austin deserves more than cookie-cutter med spas,' adds Rushing. 'Our goal is to bring intention, expertise, and a little bit of Austin soul into every appointment.' Award-Winning Service In addition to the launch of the 365 Beauty Blueprint, Banyan & Bamboo is also celebrating a recent recognition as the Best Day Spa + Med Spa in Austin of 2025 by the prestigious Evergreen Awards. This accolade highlights their exceptional contributions to the wellness and aesthetics industry, particularly their blend of clinical precision and personalized care. Known for offering a standout menu of evidence-based aesthetic and wellness services, the spa's commitment to the natural, sustainable approach to beauty is reflected in their award. Banyan & Bamboo's regenerative aesthetics, including neuromodulators, dermal fillers, biostimulants, and cutting-edge injectable wellness therapies, consistently deliver natural results, backed by advanced AI-powered skin analysis for hyper-customized facial treatment plans. This focus on personalized, regenerative aesthetics, combined with their holistic approach, has fostered loyalty and built lasting relationships with clients. Owner and Founder Jennifer Rushing's leadership and the spa's deep connection with their clients have played a pivotal role in the studio's success, creating an environment where beauty meets wellness in a thoughtful, intentional way. About Banyan & Bamboo Day Spa | Med Spa Banyan & Bamboo is a boutique day spa and med spa in Austin, TX, specializing in regenerative aesthetics and clinical wellness treatments. The women-led studio offers AI-driven skin analysis, facial balancing, PRF therapies, injectable wellness services, and customized treatment blueprints. Built on the belief that science and soul should coexist, the spa delivers natural-looking results that last - inside and out. Media Contact: Name: Jennifer Rushing Title: Owner & Founder Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Jennifer Rushing Email: Send Email Organization: Banyan & Bamboo Website: Release ID: 89162872 Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours – taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information.
Medscape
2 hours ago
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, affecting more than 29 million individuals and contributing to more than 140,000 deaths each year. Despite its high prevalence and devastating health consequences, alcohol use disorder often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated. A widely accepted heuristic framework conceptualizes alcohol use disorder as a 3-stage cycle, binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation, offering clinicians a lens through which to understand its complex neurobiological underpinnings and diverse clinical presentations. Although effective behavioral therapies and several US Food and Drug Administration-approved medications are available for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, these interventions remain markedly underused, contributing to a substantial treatment gap. How much do you know about alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz. Alcohol misuse in alcohol use disorder can vary, from a pattern of intermittent episodes of binge drinking, to a pattern of prolonged heavy drinking over longer periods of time, to a continual drinking pattern due to fear of alcohol withdrawal. A heavy drinking day is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for females and 5 or more drinks for males in a single day. In the United States, a standard drink is defined as 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, and 1.5 oz of a distilled beverage. This definition helps identify patterns of alcohol misuse that might indicate alcohol use disorder. Learn more about alcoholism guidelines. Alcohol use disorder is more common in males, although the gap is narrowing. Although males are more likely to engage in frequent and heavy consumption, have a greater consumption of spirits, and experience higher rates of alcohol use mortality, females are at greater risk for certain health complications from alcohol, such as liver damage and experiencing higher blood alcohol concentrations at the same level of intake. Learn more about alcoholism presentation. The most frequent central nervous system consequence of persistent alcohol consumption is alcoholic cerebellar degeneration. This condition results from alcohol toxicity leading to damage of the cerebellum, the brain area responsible for coordination and balance. It commonly presents with gait instability, and balance problems, affecting 10%-25% of individuals with chronic alcohol use. Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute, reversible condition caused by thiamine deficiency; it is not the most frequent long-term central nervous system consequence of alcohol consumption. Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that often follows untreated Wernicke's encephalopathy and is caused by malnutrition in combination with prolonged drinking. Although chronic alcohol use can lead to alcohol-related dementia, it occurs less frequently than alcoholic cerebellar degeneration. Learn more about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Alcoholic polyneuropathy, caused by prolonged alcohol use and often associated with nutritional deficiencies like thiamine deficiency, typically presents as a symmetrical sensory neuropathy. Females have a greater rate of alcoholic polyneuropathy. The most common symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy are ataxia, pain, and paresthesia. Other frequent symptoms include burning pain in the arms, soles of the feet and toes, and cramping in the calves and hands. Skin alterations do occur in alcoholic polyneuropathy, but they are considered secondary or less common symptoms compared with the hallmark neurological signs. The muscle weakness seen in alcoholic polyneuropathy primarily affects distal muscles, like the feet and hands. Hair loss can happen as a minor trophic change, but it is not a defining or common symptom of alcoholic polyneuropathy. Learn more about alcoholic neuropathy. Benzodiazepines are the recommended class of medication for treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome because they are effective in preventing severe complications of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, such as seizures and delirium tremens, and are considered the criterion standard treatment due to their fast onset, long duration, and safety profile. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not target the GABAergic or glutamatergic systems involved in alcohol withdrawal syndrome, making them ineffective for managing withdrawal symptoms. Beta-blockers can help control some autonomic symptoms like tremors or tachycardia but do not prevent seizures or delirium tremens, so they are not appropriate as primary treatment. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists can modulate glutamate activity but lack enough evidence to be first-line therapy for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Learn more about alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
